According to a legend surrounding this dish, its origin is attributed to a mischievous elf, Karai-october, who every October 1st went from house to house to check who had enough food, which was an indication that they had planted and worked during the year, and that they had stored food for the months when there was no harvest, sharing it with their neighbors.
Those who did not fulfill this were punished by misery during the year, while those who were generous and shared with neighbors were rewarded with abundance.
That is why the Guarani started October with yopará, a meal similar to a stew made with locro, beans, rice, and many vegetables, with the aim of warding off scarcity and promoting abundance.
The Guarani, being somewhat superstitious, devised a way to counteract the possible curse of the elf Karai-october by organizing a big celebration every October 1st with food and dancing, asking the god Tupá to protect them from misery.
When the Spaniards arrived in 1537, the natives were already preparing Yopará, which was part of their Carioguaraní cuisine, and the Spaniards added cheese, eggs, and other vegetables.
Nowadays, families hold large lunches in front of their houses on that day to show Karai Octubre that they enjoy many foods, thus avoiding the elf's punishment and his haunting whistles as a sign of betrayal.
